noun

baluster

BAL-uh-stur

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Baluster (noun) means a short vertical post that forms part of a row supporting a handrail on a staircase or balcony. Example: “The old banister had several balusters cracked with age.”

noun

A short vertical post that forms part of a row supporting a handrail on a staircase or balcony.

"The old banister had several balusters cracked with age."

"She ran her hand along the row of wooden balusters as she climbed the stairs."

"New balusters were fitted to bring the porch railing up to code."

How to use baluster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOne of the small upright posts holding up a stair rail or balcony rail.

When to use it

It is a standard architectural term, equally at home in a builder's estimate or an estate agent's listing.

Memory tip

Remember it names one post in the row, not the whole handrail.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

banister →

Common pairings

wooden balusters staircase balusters turned baluster row of balusters

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “baluster” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The old banister had several _____ cracked with age.

Etymology

Baluster came into English from French balustre, which in turn came from Italian balaustro, meaning a pillar. That Italian word traces back through Latin and Greek terms for a wild pomegranate flower. The word is a doublet of banister.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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banister

Related words

rail banister balustrade Bannister handrail

Rhymes for baluster

muster luster buster duster Custer cluster bluster Shuster thruster Schuster adjuster filibuster

See all rhymes for baluster →

Frequently asked questions

What is a baluster used for?

It is one of a row of short posts that support a handrail, most often on a staircase or around a balcony.

Is a baluster the same as a banister?

Banister can name the same short post, though it more often refers to the whole handrail assembly.

Why is a baluster shaped the way it is?

Its name is borrowed via French and Italian from a Latin and Greek word for a wild pomegranate flower, though the shape link is about the word's history, not a documented claim about the post's form.

What is the meaning of baluster?

"baluster" (noun) means a short vertical post that forms part of a row supporting a handrail on a staircase or balcony.

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rail banister balustrade Bannister handrail